This is a Predoctoral Training Program. The goal of the program is to develop outstanding new scientists who work in collaborative multi-disciplinary teams to research disease mechanisms using quantitative approaches that ultimately yield tangible strategies for prevention and therapy. Participants are highly qualified, motivated students with a strong interest in the underlying causes of human disease. The program provides a framework to encourage all students to assemble a broad knowledge base, actively seek research collaborations, produce an outstanding record of original published research, and develop presentation, proposal-writing, and leadership skills that position them for future excellence as independent researchers focused on mechanisms of disease progression.